Flash News: US Navy USS Gravely Combat Ship Deployed to Bolster Southern Border Security Against Cartels &Terrorism.

The U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) departed Naval Weapons Station Yorktown on March 15, 2025, for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Northern Command Area of Responsibility (USNORTHCOM AOR). This deployment underscores the U.S. Navy's commitment to supporting interagency efforts in securing the nation's southern border and addressing maritime security challenges in the region.
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The U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) is moored at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown prior to getting underway for a scheduled employment to the U.S. Northern Command area of responsibility.  (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The mission of the U.S. Navy USS Gravely guided-missile destroyer aligns with U.S. Northern Command's objective of restoring territorial integrity at the U.S. southern border. By enhancing maritime efforts and supporting interagency collaboration, the deployment strengthens national security. The Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy contribute to a coordinated and robust response to threats such as maritime-related terrorism, weapons proliferation, transnational crime, piracy, environmental destruction, and illegal seaborne immigration. Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command, emphasized the importance of this mission, stating that Gravely’s presence enhances maritime security and demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding territorial integrity.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays a central role in U.S. border security, working to protect the country from various threats, including terrorism, illegal immigration, and trafficking of narcotics and weapons. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an agency within DHS, is responsible for enforcing border security laws and preventing illicit activities along the U.S. borders. CBP agents work to intercept unauthorized migrants, disrupt drug smuggling operations, and prevent potential security threats from entering the country. The deployment of USS Gravely directly supports these efforts by reinforcing maritime security in coordination with DHS and CBP.

The USS Gravely is an advanced warship with significant combat capabilities. As an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, it is equipped with the Aegis Combat System. This highly sophisticated command-and-control network integrates sensors and weapon systems to detect and engage threats. The ship's Vertical Launch System (VLS) enables it to deploy a variety of missiles, including Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) for air defense, Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) for ballistic missile defense, Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) for extended-range engagements, Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSM) for anti-ship defense, and Tomahawk cruise missiles for land-attack missions. Additionally, the ship is equipped with advanced sonar systems and torpedoes, as well as a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) for point defense against incoming threats. With the ability to support MH-60R Seahawk helicopter operations, Gravely further extends its operational reach and maritime surveillance capabilities.

The deployment of the U.S. Navy USS Gravely provides a significant boost to U.S. border security by enhancing maritime surveillance and interdiction efforts. The ship’s advanced radar and sensor systems enable it to detect and monitor vessels attempting to illegally enter U.S. waters, while its helicopter support extends surveillance capabilities over vast maritime areas. The ship’s presence serves as a deterrent to criminal organizations involved in drug smuggling, human trafficking, and weapons proliferation. Additionally, a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) is embarked aboard the vessel, facilitating seamless coordination between the Navy and Coast Guard. These detachments specialize in maritime interdiction, counter-piracy, military combat operations, alien migration interdiction, military force protection, counter-terrorism, homeland security, and humanitarian response. The combination of naval firepower, aerial reconnaissance, and law enforcement operations strengthens the ability to detect and neutralize threats before they reach U.S. shores.

The threats at the U.S. southern border are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive security strategy. One of the most pressing concerns is the smuggling of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, which are trafficked into the United States by powerful transnational criminal organizations. These cartels utilize sophisticated methods, including hidden compartments in vessels, submersibles, and go-fast boats, to transport narcotics across the border. Human trafficking and illegal immigration also pose serious challenges, as smugglers exploit vulnerable individuals and charge exorbitant fees to facilitate their entry into the U.S., often under dangerous and inhumane conditions.

Additionally, weapons smuggling is a major concern, as criminal organizations seek to arm themselves with advanced firearms and explosives. The risk of terrorism remains an ongoing issue, with the potential for extremist groups to exploit border vulnerabilities to infiltrate the country. Environmental destruction caused by illegal fishing, pollution, and unregulated maritime activities further exacerbates security concerns, as it threatens marine ecosystems and coastal infrastructure.

By deploying USS Gravely to the U.S. Southern Command area, the U.S. Navy enhances the nation’s ability to respond to these threats. The ship’s advanced capabilities allow for swift interception of illicit maritime activities, while its presence serves as a deterrent to criminal organizations seeking to exploit vulnerabilities at sea. The coordination between the Navy, Coast Guard, DHS, and CBP exemplifies a unified approach to border security, ensuring that threats are detected and neutralized before they can cause harm. General Gregory Guillot, Commander of U.S. Northern Command, underscored the importance of this deployment, stating that Gravely’s operations contribute to protecting U.S. sovereignty and national security.

The deployment of the U.S. Navy USS Gravely guided-missile destroyer represents a significant enhancement to the nation’s border security framework. By integrating advanced naval capabilities with the missions of DHS and CBP, this initiative highlights the government’s commitment to securing U.S. territorial integrity. The collaboration between military and civilian agencies demonstrates a unified effort to address the evolving threats at the southern border, ensuring the safety and security of the nation.